Spironolactone in Preventing Rash in Patients With Advanced Cancer Receiving Panitumumab and Cetuximab

Inclusion Criteria: * Scheduled to start panitumumab or cetuximab; patients must not have been on the EGFR agent prior to randomization * Ability to reliably apply topical spironolactone/placebo twice a day to the face * Ability to complete questionnaire(s) by themselves or with assistance * For study 2 only, patients must be willing to avoid sun exposure for one month from registration * Creatinine =\< 1.5 x upper limit of normal (UNL) * For Study 2 only, ability to apply topical creams to the entire face and body Exclusion Criteria: * Prior allergic reaction or severe intolerance to spironolactone * Any rash at the time of randomization * Cutaneous metastases * Any other disorder that may predispose to hyperkalemia in the opinion of the treating oncologist * Use of topical corticosteroids at the time of study or their anticipated use in the next 8 weeks; (it is acknowledged that patients may be starting these agents pre-emptively as part of this protocol) * For study 2 only, previous intolerance of sunscreen or any of the other components of the Modified Preemptive Therapy Regimen (a moisturizer or oral doxycycline)